(DDM) – Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo has issued a controversial warning over the escalating conflict between farmers and herders in Plateau State, declaring that locals may begin applying chemicals on their farmlands even if it results in the death of livestock.
DDM gathered that the outspoken cleric made the remarks in a video shared on Channels TV’s official X account on Monday, December 1, 2025, where he addressed worsening insecurity across rural communities in the state.
The pastor’s statement has triggered heated reactions nationwide, as it comes amid years of tensions between farming communities and armed herders whose clashes have left hundreds dead and displaced thousands.
In the video, Reverend Dachomo urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action to quell the rising violence that continues to destabilise villages across Plateau.
He warned that locals can no longer tolerate repeated attacks and destruction of farmlands, insisting that extreme measures may soon become unavoidable.
According to the cleric, farmers are prepared to start applying strong chemical substances to protect their crops, and he argued that the Federal Government must not arrest anyone if cattle die as a result.
He insisted that those responsible for grazing livestock should be held accountable for allowing them to destroy farmland, rather than punishing farmers defending their livelihoods.
Reverend Dachomo also accused certain military personnel of aiding armed herders in carrying out violent acts within Plateau communities.
He claimed that some security operatives have compromised their duty, worsening tensions and eroding trust between citizens and government forces.
The pastor expressed deep frustration over the handling of security operations in the North Central region, stating that peace would be more achievable if soldiers allegedly working with herders are withdrawn from affected areas.
He argued that the Federal Government should not imprison citizens for killing cows when such actions occur in self-defense or while protecting their homes and crops.
His comments reflect growing anger among Plateau farmers, many of whom say they have repeatedly reported attacks with little or no government response.
The long-standing conflict between herders and farmers has been one of Nigeria’s most deadly security crises, fuelled by land pressure, climate change, economic hardship and criminal infiltration.
Communities in Plateau, Benue, Taraba and Kaduna have endured years of attacks, with local leaders continually calling for firmer federal intervention.
Dachomo’s latest remarks, however, mark one of the most forceful public warnings yet from a religious leader on the matter.
Analysts fear that such rhetoric, if not addressed, could escalate tensions and lead to retaliatory actions that worsen the cycle of violence.
Meanwhile, calls for President Tinubu to deploy more effective measures, including community policing, intelligence-driven security operations and stricter regulation of open grazing, continue to grow louder.
As the conflict deepens, many Nigerians worry that without urgent federal action, Plateau State may face an even more dangerous phase of unrest.
The video of Reverend Dachomo’s statement continues to circulate widely online, drawing mixed reactions from citizens, human rights advocates and political commentators.